BA (Hons) Music Bachelor's degree at York St John University

On this foundational module you will develop the fundamental skills for your future development as a composer and creative practitioner. Over the course of this module you will develop your: Understanding of core practical, technical and theoretical concepts of music composition Skills in analytical listening and notation Confidence and skills in composition, arrangement and production Collaborative skills Fluency in the creative application of music sequencing, notation and audio software.

Ensemble performance is an essential skill for musicians in all genres. On this module you will make music with fellow students across the entire music degree and develop your understanding of the key skills and approaches required for ensemble performance. Ensembles vary year-upon-year based on students' interests and specialisms. In recent years, ensembles have included: Soul band, Percussion ensemble, Free improvisation ensemble, Ska band, Videogame ensemble, Chamber choir

On this module you will develop your vocal technique, both spoken and sung. The module consists practical workshops alongside seminars where you will explore the culture and context of vocal styles. You will work towards a day of vocal performance where you collaboratively devise and deliver both cover and original content with your fellow students. Across this module you will explore and practice topics such as: Breath and voice production techniques, The spoken voice, Production, Song writing,

This module is your introduction to all the different ways that music is academically researched. Through a series of short projects, you will: Develop your technical and theoretical understanding of music, Develop a vocabulary with which to discuss music, Explore a range of approaches to analysing music, Delve into a wide range of musical styles and genres, Build good practice in research: gathering information, developing ideas and presenting work

On this module we will support you to develop a healthy, holistic, self-aware musical practice. Through group work and individual lessons with professional specialist teachers, you will develop techniques of effective professional habits that allow you to learn in a way best-suited to your individual needs. Topics that may be covered in this module include: Performance anxiety, Breathwork, Body work – as an individual and as a group/with others, Somatic practice and self-holding, Learning styles

On this module you will explore the world of drums and percussion through a mix of styles and genres. You will listen to music, compare different styles, devise your own work and develop your rhythmic abilities. You will also learn basic skills of workshop leadership and facilitation. This module will see you explore and practise: West African djembe drumming, Brazilian samba, Javanese gamelan, Japanese Taiko drumming, Western contemporary percussion

This module focusses on musical improvisation and experimentation. You will be encouraged to take risks, stretch your abilities and develop your cultural understanding of improvisational techniques. Through improvisational and experimental methods, you will create compositions and performances which challenge you to explore music in a new light.

This specialist composition module builds on the musical and technical skills you will have gained in your first year. You will be introduced to a wide range of compositional strategies to extend and develop your work. On this module you will also get the opportunity to write for visiting professional performers through placements and workshops.

On this module you will delve into the vibrant, exciting field of community music in educational contexts. You will take part in work-based learning in a community music setting with one of our local placement partners. Through this, you will learn strategies for encouraging inclusive environments for making music.

What is the relationship between a performer and the context they play in? How does your performance change depending on your audience and the setting? On this module you will consider how your practice will be impacted by audience, performance location, and repertoire. You will refine your instrumental technique, practice strategies and general performance skills. Through group work and one-to-one private lessons with professional vocalists and instrumentalists, we will support you to develop:

This module builds on the teamwork and facilitation skills you developed in the first year of your degree. You will explore the wide range of strategies used within ensemble rehearsal and preparation, adapting your practice to suit the ensemble's needs and context. Alongside ensemble rehearsal and performance, you will take part in sessions on project management in the arts. These range from small-scale management of individual rehearsals to large-scale management of complex performance such as

On this module you will hone your ability to research, explore, and present complex ideas related to music. The module comprises several projects that cover a wide range of research methods for small-scale research projects. Through these methods, you may explore musicological topics including: Film music analysis, Music psychology, Community music, Performance analysis, Symbolism in music, Music therapy, Music and politics

On this module you will learn to design, deliver, and critically reflect on community music workshops specifically focused on wellbeing and social justice. Key topics you will explore on this module include: Singing and wellbeing, Therapeutic music making (with a focus on practices that support positive mental/physical health and wellbeing), Trauma-informed practices, Music and peacebuilding, Music in post-war and conflict zones, Music making with refuges and asylum seekers, Music and disability

This specialist composition module will develop your knowledge of songwriting and writing for the voice. You will conduct in-depth practice research into meaningful songwriting compositional topics. You will take part in a series of research projects with a key songwriting focus and get the opportunity to write for visiting professional performers. Alongside traditional songwriting and vocal techniques, you will explore: Music technologies, Multimedia music applications (including musical theatr

On this module you will develop and refine your academic research skills and your critical understanding of scholarly discourse and how it relates to your own musical practice and society more broadly. The specific content of your research will be determined in consultation between you and your tutors. You will have the option of presenting your musical research in either a 4000 word essay or a 20-minute presentation.

This module embodies the culmination of your evolution as a musical professional at York St John University. It is an opportunity to showcase your significant skills in creativity, project management, and research. You will engage in a large-scale creative project, collaborating with artists across a variety of disciplines. You might choose to work with a student from another course or discipline, (including Musical Theatre, Acting, Dance, Film, Creative Writing, Fine Art or Music Production), o

On this module you will take a leading role in developing substantial performances at a professional standard. You will be assessed on a 10-minute performance of contemporary music practice and a 30-minute performance. Through support from academic staff and individual private lessons, you will decide the shape and content of your performance and you have the option of working as a soloist or within one or more ensembles.

Assessment: 10-minute performance of contemporary music practice and a 30-minute performance

On this module you will refine your ability to design and facilitate community music sessions, gaining in confidence as a professional musician.